As is the norm here at Main Street One, tech specs are not really discussed when products are reviewed. The thought process is that a prospective buyer is more than likely knowledgeable, to some degree, with all or most of the specs. These reviews deal with experience in working with a product, how it performs in the real world and are compared, at times, to similar products from the same or another manufacturer.

This lens was purchased to take the place of having to carry both a Nikon AF-S 18-200mm lens and a Nikon AF-S 55-300mm lens and then needing (or having) to switch them out in order to capture certain shots (and oft-times missing the shot due to the time it takes to change them). Another reason is that each time a lens is removed from the camera body that action opens up the possibility of contaminants infiltrating gear during the change-out. What a dream! With this lens neither of the two mentioned issues is a even a remote concern.

True, the 18-300mm is not classed (nor priced) as a pro level lens and it will not outperform a prime lens but it certainly is great glass.

The 18-300mm focuses faster than either the 18-200mm or the 55-300mm. There have been zero issues with the lens hunting for a focal point in low lighting situations (unless there is absolutely no contrast, but that happens with virtually every lens manufactured).

The sharpness at all focal settings, between 18mm and 300mm, is very good. The color and clarity of images are both quite good. Well, no, they are better than quite good. Nikon has done a very admirable job in bringing consumers an excellent all-in-one carry-about lens.

Nikon D5100 with Nikkor AF-S DX 18-300mm lens

The 18-300mm performs at least as well, if not better, at 300mm than the 55-300mm lens, and at the lower end of the spectrum, in the 18-24mm range, it has out-shined the 18-200mm. That is exceptional, to say the least.

The AF (autofocus) works superbly and coupled with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction II (VR) technology makes for perfect everyday shooting. However, this lens can also be used for close-up nature shots producing excellent clarity and bokeh (background blur).

The 18-300mm has been used on both a Nikon D90 and a Nikon D5100 and it performs great on both bodies.

The lens lock comes in handy to avoid the dreaded lens creep.

The glass is definitely heavier than the 18-200mm, but that is to be expected with the added focal length. The build quality seems quite good. There is no cheap plastic feeling that one sometimes experiences with certain lenses. The reversible lens hood is engineered well with the camera’s IF (Internal Focus) and, when reversed, does not interfere when focusing, as it does on the 18-200mm.

Overall, this is a very impressive lens. The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is definitely recommended as a one-lens solution for those photographers wanting (desiring) glass such as this, especially when travelling and for day shooting when taking a few pieces of glass is either not wanted or not an option.